The simple act of tipping can be an anxious moment for many people while on safari, and the subject of much discussion and seeking advice.
We like to reward excellent service, but hate being worked over for a tip. Your tip can be empowering for all concerned and adds to the value that we all provide as safari-goers in Africa’s rural areas. Your tip does make a real difference, where it counts. On the other hand, there is nothing worse than lodge staff hovering expectantly nearby while you check out.
So, here then are a few ‘tips’ from some of our team and from safari clients about this prickly issue:
• “I tip only when I receive excellent service, and when I feel that the person has worked hard, going beyond the call of their job. And a happy smile also works for me. This firm line helps me avoid the stress of being undecided”;
• “I tip lodge/hotel staff at the end of my stay, to a communal tip box which many lodges have, or in an envelope handed to the manager. I always ask lodge management beforehand about tipping, so that I follow the correct procedure for that lodge”;
• “For group safaris, it’s often a good idea to pool tips. I have seen some groups arranging a fun presentation at the end of their stay – which is a great idea. Some people in groups prefer to tip directly, and that’s also fine”;
• “One golden rule: Never tell your guide/tracker that the tip is dependent on them finding specific species. This is unfair and may encourage bad behaviour and damage to the environment and wildlife”;
• “I give my tips in new, unblemished notes – many banks do not accept damaged notes and many do not accept US$ notes that are older than 2013. Also be aware that some banks reject less commonly encountered currencies such as Yuan, Rubles and Rupees”
Lastly, remember that tipping is entirely at your discretion. There are no rules, only guidelines.
Guidelines for how much to tip:
Safari lodges
- Guide: $15-30 per guest per day
- Lodge staff: $15-30 per guest per day (shared by the staff)
Cities:
- Short road transfer: $5 per transfer
- Long road transfer (more than one hour): $10-20 per transfer
- Full-day tour guide: $20 per guest
- Half-day tour guide: $10 per guest
- Hotel porters: $2-5 per guest, depending on the amount of luggage
- Restaurants: 10-15% gratuity
Cultural village tour guides: $10-15 per guest, depending on tour length
Hot air ballooning staff: $20 per guest
Primate trekking:
- Guide: $20 per guest
- Rangers: $10 per guest (shared by the rangers)
- Trackers: $10 per guest (shared by the trackers)
- Porter: $20 per guest
- Welcome centre staff: $5 per guest (shared by the staff)
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